Distance: 5.5 miles one-way

Confluence Overlook Trail

The Confluence Overlook Trail ends 1,000 feet above the location where the Colorado and Green Rivers join. This confluence was first mapped in 1859 by U.S. Topographical Engineers of the Macomb Expedition. Although they never reached the river junction, members of the expedition viewed the confluence from a point above. Appearing much as it does today, the confluence clearly showed the mixing waters of the two great rivers.
This trail traverses dry, open country along the northern edge of the Needles District. Most of the route is on an established trail but a few sections are marked by cairns where it crosses slickrock. No backcountry water source is near the trail.
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Canyonlands National Park - Needles District

Needles District
This is the only trail at the very end of the Needles District scenic paved road. Park on the paved shoulder just before the turn-round. The far end of this hike can be accessed by 4WD high-clearance vehicles as well.
Access:
The trail starts by dropping into Big Spring Canyon. On the opposite side, it regains the lost elevation, climbing back up, with the help of a small ladder for the final step to a high plateau. A few slick rock sections are traversed with some more ups and downs including a short section in Elephant Canon. Shortly before 4 miles, you cross a 4WD road. Easy walking arrives shortly at a scenic trail junction among The Grabens. The left trail takes you into Cyclone Canyon, an amazing 2 mile wandering. To the right, is a short distance to a road again. Walk this road a half mile to its end where you'll find a restroom, picnic area and 4WD parking. The final half mile trail to the Confluence Overlook is a hiking trail.
Route:
canyonlands Colorado River Colorado Elephant Canyon colorado confluence confluence trail confluence overlook trail map trail trailhead cyclone canyon The Needles Needles District rock spire confluence overlook slickrock trailhead grabbens The Needles
ballanced rock canyonlands
Trail passes through a tame portion of Elephant Canyon
Trail goes through this hole at top of first uphill climb
Trailhead sign
Trail up this slickrock
Ladder getting you out of Big Spring Canyon
Trail goes to and passes this rock pinnacle
The Needles to the south
The Needles to the south
The trail between the two road crossings
Looking into Cyclone Canyon
At the Cyclone Canyon Junction
4WD Trailhead for the Confluence Overlook
Colorado Gorge
The Confluence of the Green River and Colorado River